Are they running the same version of OS X? Have you tried different USB ports? Have you checked the manufacturer's website for updated drivers/software?

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The computers are identical in every way concerning the version of OS X they are running. The card reader is a non de-script card reader (no manufacturers markings) therefore I doubt I should need specific drivers for it....and it works perfectly well on my iMac??? It just seems a little odd to me

That's strange. I have one of those all-in-one readers and I've used it on a mini, an iMac, and a MBP and they recognize it right away. Does the reader have any status lights on it that go on when you plug in to the other computer or anything? You might try looking at the console log to see if there's anything unusual when you plug it in.

Possibilities:
A. Card reader is drawing more power than laptop provides but not enough to trigger the "overdraw" warning message. In this case, you might try connecting the reader to a powered USB hub if you have one.
B. Something odd about the cable connector is not allowing to connect properly to the laptop. Might try an extension cable to see if it makes a difference.

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